Ireland to face Afghanistan in seven-match series

Ireland will return to Test action next month when they face Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, with the red-ball match preceding three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals as part of a seven-match series.

The Test match, which begins on 28 February, will be the second time the two sides have met in the longest format. Afghanistan won the first meeting by seven wickets in 2019.

In addition to the five-day Test, the white-ball matches will be used as vital preparation as both sides build towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States in June.

Ireland will play India, Pakistan, USA and Canada in the opening group stage at this summer's tournament.

Looking ahead to the Abu Dhabi series, Cricket Ireland high performance director Richard Holdsworth said: "After the success of the Zimbabwe tour last month, it is important that the squad maintains the momentum as we build towards the T20 World Cup in June.

"The break has been beneficial for the players after an intensely busy year, largely on the road in 2023, so the players and coaches are raring to get back into action.

"While a few of our players are participating in franchise leagues over the next few weeks, the rest of the squad have been training indoors, so we’ve made the decision to take the squad out to the UAE for a prep camp in advance of the series.

Fixtures:
28 February - 3 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (Test Match, Abu Dhabi)

7 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (ODI, Sharjah)

9 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (ODI, Sharjah)

12 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (ODI, Sharjah)

15 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (T20, Sharjah)

17 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (T20, Sharjah)

18 March: Afghanistan v Ireland (T20, Sharjah)